GyBill
09-21-2010, 09:57
Amos faces panel in confirmation hearing
By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Sep 21, 2010 12:13:59 EDT
Gen. Jim Amos appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday where his nomination to become the 35th commandant of the Marine Corps was considered in a confirmation hearing.
Early in the hearing, he expressed his opposition to repeal of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and expressed concern about a repeal of the law governing homosexuality in the military at a time when Marines are focused on a combat mission.
Amos, who is currently the assistant commandant, said Marines would fully comply with whatever changes are made to the law and, under questioning by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., he acknowledged that internal surveys revealed a predominantly negative view of a repeal.
His top priority if confirmed as commandant, Amos said, would be the ongoing operations in Afghanistan and the 20,000 Marines who are combat there.
In a seeming disagreement with Commandant Gen. James Conway, though, Amos said he agrees with the president’s announced plan to begin the process of withdrawing troops from Afghanistan next summer.
Comments made on Aug. 24 by Conway, who said the withdrawal date was “giving sustenance” to the enemy, Amos said, “need to be taken in context,” pointing out that Conway also said he believed Marines would be in Helmand Province beyond the July 2011 target date and would deny the enemy what could seem like a sure initiative.
Still, Amos was challenged by members of the panel, who cautioned him not to be too optimistic about how things were going for U.S. troops and about how competent the government would be by next summer to handle security.
“I think it’s a huge mistake to have that date out there,” said Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga.
Amos said he thought the commanders on the ground in Afghanistan would base withdrawal on conditions next summer.
“July 2011 is not a cliff; it will be some sort of gradual decline. I can’t speak to what it will look like or how rapidly it will take place,” Amos said, adding that he trusts commanders on the ground.
If confirmed, Amos, a career jet pilot, would become the first aviator to hold the Corps' top job, and the service's first assistant commandant to be promoted to the position in almost 30 years.
Committee members expressed their support for Amos and assured him during the hearing that he would be the next commandant.
By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Sep 21, 2010 12:13:59 EDT
Gen. Jim Amos appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday where his nomination to become the 35th commandant of the Marine Corps was considered in a confirmation hearing.
Early in the hearing, he expressed his opposition to repeal of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and expressed concern about a repeal of the law governing homosexuality in the military at a time when Marines are focused on a combat mission.
Amos, who is currently the assistant commandant, said Marines would fully comply with whatever changes are made to the law and, under questioning by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., he acknowledged that internal surveys revealed a predominantly negative view of a repeal.
His top priority if confirmed as commandant, Amos said, would be the ongoing operations in Afghanistan and the 20,000 Marines who are combat there.
In a seeming disagreement with Commandant Gen. James Conway, though, Amos said he agrees with the president’s announced plan to begin the process of withdrawing troops from Afghanistan next summer.
Comments made on Aug. 24 by Conway, who said the withdrawal date was “giving sustenance” to the enemy, Amos said, “need to be taken in context,” pointing out that Conway also said he believed Marines would be in Helmand Province beyond the July 2011 target date and would deny the enemy what could seem like a sure initiative.
Still, Amos was challenged by members of the panel, who cautioned him not to be too optimistic about how things were going for U.S. troops and about how competent the government would be by next summer to handle security.
“I think it’s a huge mistake to have that date out there,” said Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga.
Amos said he thought the commanders on the ground in Afghanistan would base withdrawal on conditions next summer.
“July 2011 is not a cliff; it will be some sort of gradual decline. I can’t speak to what it will look like or how rapidly it will take place,” Amos said, adding that he trusts commanders on the ground.
If confirmed, Amos, a career jet pilot, would become the first aviator to hold the Corps' top job, and the service's first assistant commandant to be promoted to the position in almost 30 years.
Committee members expressed their support for Amos and assured him during the hearing that he would be the next commandant.